Just getting ready to start the engine after heads+cam work and a long list of other things. I turned the engine over by hand to make sure everything was good. There was no mechanical binding, but there was a hissing, like compressed air escaping. Everything (and I mean everything), was torqued to spec. Is this normal? I thought the cylinders should hold the pressure in for a bit longer, ala, leak down test.

 

no, thats normal, they hold pressure fine dynamicly(moving/in use) but they are in no way air tight

 

That is normal, just start it already and give us some good news. Hope all goes well.

 

If u are turning the motor over by hand then it will hiss. There is air in the cylinders and when u are turning it over u are opening the exhuast valves and air is going out. Trust me its fine. Peace, Dustin.